The Shadow of the Cross: Studies in Self-Denial

The Shadow of the Cross: Studies in Self-Denial

by Walter J. Chantry

This book restores to its central place the teaching of Christ about taking up the cross, and living for him rather than ourselves.

BUY NOW

Paperback, 79 pages

Published March 1st 1982 by Banner of Truth (first published February 1st 1981)

tags: christian, theology, religion, christian living

Book Quotes

“Calvinism that does not humble has missed its mark.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“Christians are sensitive. We want to be liked and accepted. It is pleasant to be agreeable and peaceful. As God's grace quickens in us a love for men, a sense of courtesy is heightened, a longing for gentleness and peace is increased. But with all of this our Lord's honor is at issue in the discussion. You must consciously choose words that pain your own social consciousness and love of peace. Self has to be crucified. Two hearts are broken, not merely one.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“Not one man has ever sacrificed for His Lord without richly being repaid. If the cross is only contrasted with earthly pleasures, it may seem hard and threatening. But when the cross is weighed in the balances with the glorious treasures to be had through it, even the cross seems sweet.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“During the day as serious opinions are being discussed, there is an opportunity to give the biblical view on issues of sin and righteousness or the purpose of life. But each time you speak, you have seen rejection of yourself with your views. Each testimony of truth makes you more unwelcome. Will you be bold for truth today?”

― Walter J. Chantry

“Of all people however, Reformed Christians should resurrect the biblical teaching on self-denial from its unjust obscurity. it is not the property of Medieval Flagellants. We dare not yield it as the property of the "deeper life" movement. It was the Son of God who said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34”

― Walter J. Chantry

“True Calvinism always leads to the appreciation of self-denial. When the doctrines of grace are warmly preached, denial of self is necessarily one of the chief experiences of the soul. Each one of the doctrines infinitely exalts the most high God and humbles the sinful and human self as a mere worm.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“The doctrines of grace are not merely a philosophy which gives the best and most logical answers to the profound questions of life. They are that. But more, they stir the inner man to self-abnegation and love for Jehovah. This act of worship before the throne of the Almighty opens a fountain of devotion which must then flow out at every level of decision and action in practical life. Self-denial is a vital link between doctrine and devotion on the one hand, and between devotion and practice on the other.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“The true test of your Calvinism comes just here: How low is self and how high is God in your heart? Almost every moment of your life offers a test.”

― Walter J. Chantry

“Self-denial is the birth pang of spiritual joy. No woman seeks birth pangs, but she willingly endures them for the pleasure of cradling an infant in her arms. It is because of the sheer delight of living for the glory of Jehovah and the satisfaction of dwelling in the presence of His majestic fellowship that Christians submit to the agonies of self-denial.”

― Walter J. Chantry

Walter J. Chantry

Walt was born in 1938 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He was raised in the Presbyterian church and was converted to Christ as a teenager. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1960 with a B.A. in History, and went on to receive a B.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1963. That same year he was called to be pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where he served his Lord for the next 39 years. Soon after his retirement in 2002 he was asked to be the editor of Banner Of Truth Magazine and continues in that capacity to this day.

Long before John MacArthur started the "Lordship salvation" war men such as Chantry warned that the gospel message was being watered down by an easy believeism that gutted the gospel of its true message. Chantry declares that, "Differences between much of today's preaching and that of Jesus are not petty; they are enormous. The chief errors are not in emphasis or approach but in the heart of the Gospel message."
... Show more

Subscribe

Get Bible verse every day in your inbox

Read on Mobile

Download on App Store

Download on Google Play

Most Searched

Group of Brands